Sunday, August 26, 2018

Departure from Ireland

This afternoon, at 6:30pm local time (1:30pm EDT), a departure ceremony was held at the Dublin International Airport.


Upon his arrival, the Holy Father, Pope Francis was welcomed, at the foot of the stairs leading to his aircraft, by the Taoiseach (Prime Minister).  Also present were Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life; His Excellency, Eamon Martin, President of the Irish Episcopal Conference; His Excellency, Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland; His Excellency, Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam; His Excellency, Kieran O'Reilly, SMA, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly; and members of the local organizing party as well as one family.

The aircraft, an Aer Lingus A321, carrying the Pope on the return flight following his Apostolic Visit to the Republic of Ireland, departed at 6:45pm local time (1:45pm EDT) for Rome.  The aircraft is expected to arrive in Rome - at the Ciampino International Airport - at 11:00pm local time (5:00pm EDT).

Immediately following the departure of the Holy Father's flight, Pope Francis sent the following telegram to the President of the Republic of Ireland.

His Excellency, Michael D. Higgins
President of Ireland
Dublin

As I leave Ireland, I wish to express my gratitude to Your Excellency, the government and the beloved people of Ireland for the warm welcome and hospitality I have received.  With the assurance of my prayers, I invoke upon all of you Almighty God's blessings of peace, fraternity and prosperity.

Francis

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